Unions ...... Good Or Bad??

Curious to hear people's opinions on unions. Never been in one but hear some people like them and some have them. But why??

I was a member of the Teamsters 25 years ago. I would never join another union for three reasons:

1. The folks who run the union often just take your money and then just play golf with the owners of the company and fail to help you when there's a real problem.

2. Union jobs are usually based on seniority instead of performance, which encourages laziness among the most experienced and puts the burden on the new guys. I'd rather be recognized and rewarded quickly when I outperform someone who's been there twenty years instead of being told to take it easy for fear of making someone else look bad.

3. I don't need anyone to negotiate for me. If I don't like my job, I'll find another.

You'll get strong opinions the other way, I'm sure.

I was a member of the Teamsters 25 years ago. I would never join another union for three reasons:

1. The folks who run the union often just take your money and then just play golf with the owners of the company and fail to help you when there's a real problem.

2. Union jobs are usually based on seniority instead of performance, which encourages laziness among the most experienced and puts the burden on the new guys. I'd rather be recognized and rewarded quickly when I outperform someone who's been there twenty years instead of being told to take it easy for fear of making someone else look bad.

3. I don't need anyone to negotiate for me. If I don't like my job, I'll find another.

You'll get strong opinions the other way, I'm sure.

I was a member of the Teamsters 25 years ago. I would never join another union for three reasons:

1. The folks who run the union often just take your money and then just play golf with the owners of the company and fail to help you when there's a real problem.

2. Union jobs are usually based on seniority instead of performance, which encourages laziness among the most experienced and puts the burden on the new guys. I'd rather be recognized and rewarded quickly when I outperform someone who's been there twenty years instead of being told to take it easy for fear of making someone else look bad.

3. I don't need anyone to negotiate for me. If I don't like my job, I'll find another.

You'll get strong opinions the other way, I'm sure.

Agree 1000%. Also, what if they decide to go on strike. Screw that I need a paycheck, and if your part of a union they will make you strike too.

Yes, totally agree with everything said! I've worked for 2 unions (non truck related, but basically all the same) and both companies went belly up. Never again.

Depends on the type of work. Teachers union = no Operating engeineers = yes

The problem with unions is, while you might get a pay raise, much of that raise gets eaten up in...

1) Union dues. 2) Increases in fees like the employee portion of health insurance. 3) Possible reductions in your miles, because the senior drivers might want those runs. 4) Being stuck in California or the Northeast, when your from the Midwest. (See #3 above)

These are just a few theories I have about unions.

Dave

Some valid points so far for sure and some things I didn't consider. I do find it odd nobody has much good to say about a union so far.

My first experience with a union was when I was a kid. My dad belonged to the Teamsters and one year they voted the union out. Their pay froze for like 12 years. Now I know you all are thinking that is bad but here is the thing, all the other bed bugging companies had to go back to work after the strike for $4 per hour less than they were making before the strike. My dad was making the same money.

My second experience was when I worked for the phone company. Yeah the benefits were great but I was making the same money installing and upgrading the latest and greatest hardware and software while someone that could barely install an analog phone would get paid the same as I did.

Unions do not foster an environment that encourages you to better yourself. There is absolutely no incentive for you to be the best that you can be at your job.

I also don't agree with their politics. Luckily I was in a right to work state and did not have to pay the dues.

Unions are the reason for the work conditions that we have today. In their time they were needed. Today they are not need as much because of the laws on the books. Unions are also the reason that many jobs have been driven overseas. I don't begrudge companies for making money, if you want to make that kind of money you need to stick your neck out like they have.

Personally I have no use for a union.

Anything benefiting worker is awesome,without unions,wed be working for peanuts and no bennies.

Maybe 50 or 60 years ago or more. Now, when there is competition, most companies offer benefits, without unionization. Most trucking companies were offering health insurance and are NOT unionized and were doing it before Obamacare.

Unions are now a racket. Does a burger flipper really need to be unionized and paid the same as a truck driver, or a dock worker at an LTL company, or a nurse, or a paramedic?

Heck, burger flipping and grocery store cashier used to be high school jobs.

Dave